JEDDAH, 8 September 2005 — The National Commercial Bank (NCB) signed a contract with Ladies Business Center at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EPCCI), to organize a training course specifically for women who aspire to establish their own home-based business. This program is part of a series of the bank’s programs for small businesses at its social service department. Mahmoud Turkistani, head of community service unit signed the agreement with EPCCI Secretary General Ibrahim Al-Elian. This is termed as an effort to coordinate and cooperate between the two sides in the area of activities and social programs which serve the community, contribute to economic development, provide employment opportunities and encourage the youth to venture into small businesses. “The program aims to qualify participating women and inculcate in them the basic necessary skills to launch their own small home-based businesses,” Turkistani said.